It appears that Scotland and Wales, threatened by proposals for Britain to play together more frequently at the expense of the individual home nations, worked behind the scenes to oust White in favour of Roger Self, who was manager when Britain won Olympic gold in 1988.

Several board members contacted by The Daily Telegraph said they learnt only yesterday morning, via a press release, that White had been replaced.

The sport is consumed by a conflict, both political and financial, that could see the end of Britain's participation in the Olympics. UK Sport have said they will not fund Britain unless they play across a four-year cycle. Currently the home nations compete separately at all levels bar the Olympics where Britain's men came ninth and the women failed to qualify.

The board asked the International Hockey Federation for a compromise whereby Britain would play in two of their tournaments – the Champions' Trophy and Champions' Challenge – but the FIH replied that if Britain were to play in some global events, they would have to play in them all. That meant World Cups, though Junior World Cups were excluded, and that is the sticking point for Wales and Scotland.